If you’re locking your bike up in a city, the best security is often not about brute strength alone – it’s about having a high-grade lock that’s easy to use, fast to deploy and inconvenient to attack. The Hiplok DX aims to do all that with a compact, 1.11kg D-lock that combines top-tier anti-theft certification with a clever wearable system designed to appeal to urban commuters.
At £79.99, it sits in the premium lightweight D-lock category – and it backs up that price tag with some solid numbers: Sold Secure Diamond for pedal bikes, and Gold for e-bikes, making it a lock that ticks the boxes for even the most stringent bike insurance policies.
Everyday practicality with a high-spec backbone
Security-wise, the DX uses a 14mm hardened steel shackle, a double deadlock mechanism, and anti-rotation features to prevent twist attacks – the kind of techniques bike thieves regularly rely on. Its size is also part of its strength: small enough to leave little room for leverage once clamped to a Sheffield stand or narrow post. That said, its 150 x 85 mm internal area is less adaptable when it comes to thicker lampposts or irregular anchor points. In dense urban environments where good stands are easy to find, that’s not a problem – but if you often need to improvise, it could become limiting.
One of the standout features is Hiplok’s Clip + Ride system. It’s a wearable belt clip that allows the lock to attach to your waistband or belt, making it quick to grab and use without needing a frame bracket or room in a bag. It genuinely works well, provided your clothing suits it. And that’s the key caveat: this system just doesn’t work with all outfits. If you wear long jackets, looser tops, or anything that covers your waistband – as most people do during colder months – the wearable aspect becomes irrelevant. It’s great for summer riding or minimalist commuters, but not so practical for anyone dressing for winter or weather protection.
If you skip the wearable element, it’s still compact enough to slip into a pannier, messenger bag or jacket pocket, but some of the convenience is lost. At least it won’t rattle or need a bracket fitted to your bike. The finish is solid and scratch-resistant, the keyhole has a good rubber cover to keep out the worst of the weather, and the action of the mechanism is smooth every time. You get three keys included too, which is always appreciated.
Verdict – strong security for city riders with belt loops
The Hiplok DX is a genuinely smart option for urban cyclists who want a high-security lock that’s light and easy to carry. Its compact shape makes it less versatile than some larger D-locks, but it also makes it harder to attack when used with a proper bike stand. The build quality feels trustworthy, and the Sold Secure Diamond rating means it holds its own against much bulkier alternatives.
If you wear gear that exposes your waist – or don’t mind stashing it in a bag – the Clip + Ride system is a genuine asset. But for riders layering up in cold weather, the wearable promise feels more like a bonus than a core feature. Still, as a secure, stylish, and compact lock that plays nicely with insurance policies and real-world use, the Hiplok DX is one of the better lightweight D-locks available.
Recommended for: city commuters who regularly use proper bike stands and want a lock that combines excellent security with neat portability. Best suited to riders with on-body carry options or summer wardrobes, but still a strong standalone lock even when carried in a bag.
